“The Divide: NYPD & The Communities They Patrol."

Let's stop pointing fingers and solve this issue. Racism may never die, but empathy will never spread unless we all do something about it.

• We're more than 3 weeks into the new year now, yet we cannot put the tumultuous times of 2014 behind us because the same tension, anger, mourning and loss still resides in the air.

• The Divide between police officers and the mayor is evident, but the gap between the police and the communities in which they patrol are wider than ever.

• Something is missing. Let’s start with empathy. Do cops truly empathize with the deaths of "Michael Brown" and "Eric Garner?" Do people in the communities truly empathize with the heinous murders of the two police officers, "Rafael Ramos" and "Wenjian Lu"? 

• If the answer is "No" to both questions, then we have some serious work to do in this country.

• This post is not meant to poke fingers at any side, in fact this post aims to eliminate the word "side," completely. We’re on the same side here. We’re all human beings. 

• I read about the story of a black man in RIverdale. How he felt unwelcome in his community.

nyc-crime/riverdale-man-moving-racially-charged-vandalism-article-1.1746539

"Larry, 24, said he’s half-Portuguese and half-Arabic and felt “harassed” by constant questions and stares. “Part of it is because it’s a quiet neighborhood. But if you don’t look the part, they will question you.”

"His younger brother Lawrence Rowe, who with him Friday morning, said he also felt uneasy visiting Hart.

“I walked in the building, and the doorman looked right at me and said, ‘You’re in the wrong building. What are you doing here?’ ” recalled Rowe, 40, who said he had recently returned from serving in the Army in Germany."

• Now, let me transition from that to this brief anecdote. I met a police officer at a deli near my house earlier this year. He graduated from my rival high school two years ahead of me. I was on my way to a rehearsal for a film. I was wearing my camera bag. He noticed and started a conversation with me. He seemed like a decent guy and probably is, however the ugliness in his speech emerged when we spoke about the community we were in. He told me to be careful. Citing, the culture and people, as troublesome. Yes, "these people…yes these people…" the disdain for the people in this community was evident. His words cemented his actions, yes he painted them all over with the same brush. 

• We must give everyone a chance. That is the essence of common humanity. We should not judge. The man who executed the two cops boasted about it on Instagram. He knew what he was going to do. We cannot base his actions on all black people. 

• Police officers and the people of the community need to come together and speak to each other.  They need to hug it out and sing kumbaya or something…this has gone on long enough. How can police officers work in areas they loathe? How can police officers work a job in which they constantly fear for their lives? Why do police officers victimize the poor? Is it really to generate revenue? Are they being forced to do this? If so, why not quit? Why not revolt against the system instead of one man, the Mayor De Blasio, whose rhetoric had no bearing on the assassination of the two police officers in Brooklyn. http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/cops-shot-brooklyn-sources-article-1.2051941

• Check out this take on the police officers by the satirist, "Bill Maher, on HBO's Real Time With Bill Maher," 

Bill Maher on NYPD

• We cannot baby police officers. They must provide solutions. GO out there and meet people. Talk to people, befriend the community, don’t make them your enemy.

• This is America. Our military has treated the citizens of foreign countries with more respect than us. We’re American citizens. Sure there are some bad apples, but very few.

• The crime rate has historically decreased in this country, yet the police continue to militarize. Why? americans-police-continue-to-militarize-despite-record-low-crime-rates/192029/

• Stop utilizing harmful rhetoric to alienate and demonize communities.

• People in the community need to condition and educate themselves on approaching police officers. Hold seminars. People should not fear the police.

• The police need to change their perception. People must educate their children on how to behave and treat those who risk their lives for them.

• The animosity must dissipate. 

"The fact that, we're all going to die someday, should be enough to make us love each other."

-Charles Bukowski

Below is a summary of how I felt in late December of 2014.

We're On The Same Side

My skin color makes me fear for my life...

I don't know why there are multiple sides...

Only pointing fingers here, pushing a distorted view...

I see all of the uniforms turning a blind eye...

The city renowned for apple pie is devoid of empathy.

I want you to stop choosing one side...
We're all alive and shouldn't die...
I want you to make peace, 
Forget the speech, please be innovative.
Why is it in movies we can get along?
Put the guns away and talk
Please listen before you shout

I want everyone to understand...
Black, White, Blue is all the same...
Both sides are wrong and need to make up...
Picking a side is too far gone

I understand your pain...
Yes, you, you, you and you and yes even you...


I can say this because I'm alive...
My parents fear for my life...
They lecture me, on how to act and speak 
Should I be confronted with big bad blue...
I know that "bad" is suggestive...
But that is the reality... we're all bad until we do good.

Semi-civilized human beings talking out their problems in a football stadium...

When we will reach enlightenment?

I so badly want to not worry...

Break the law, die, fight for your life, die, struggle, die, retaliate die, two wrongs, die, turn your back, die, silence, die, anger, die, animosity, die...

Until we all come together we're doomed...

Not in the apocalypse sense... of course... I mean in a truer sense...



Inside we're rotting away... Forget the whole "Walk a mile in my shoes."

I don't need you to go through that hassle...

Just understand one thing...

I'm a person and you are too...

I don't want to die...I desire peace of mind.

Shake my hand...look me in the eye...touch my skin...feel my life.

"Last Drags" Short Story By Greg Hernandez

 “Last Drags”

            Small circular puffs of smoke emerged from her mouth at a steady pace. She took the pipe again and inhaled deeply. A circle of friends all laughing and drinking around her made this woman the centerpiece of attraction. She closed her eyes as she exhaled through her nostrils. Pleasure covered her face like an exfoliating mask. The bartender placed a new coal for their hookah. The hookah pipe went around the circle of five, with beer, gossip, politics, intertwining the go around.

Their group was extremely sophisticated. All of them had their legs crossed and spoke softly. It made their conversations appear to be important. They stood out amongst the crowd of gluttonous spectators, fools, wannabes, jerk-offs, cunts, cock-teasers and low-lives. Now, this was a loud place. Things could get hectic in a hurry. Fights would start with the quickness of a match being lit. But not tonight, no tonight this beauty was in an impenetrable bubble. It protected her from the dirty and violent atmosphere that was the bar, called “Last Drags.” She was drinking “Delirium Tremens”, my Belgian Pale Ale. She wiped some of the bubble off her blue lips. She looked like a nympho. Those were the types; short jet black hair, fur coats to keep them warm, the tight dress to show off their physiques and the legs, my god those revealing legs! I bet her heels added 5 inches to her height. She looks like a bona fide freak, fucking dynamite under the sheets, I imagine.

            Carter sat the bar staring at it all. The air was intoxicating. A band at the far end was playing some psychedelic rock. The bartenders never had to pretend to look busy at this bar. They were always hurrying about, fixing drinks and hookahs. Sober people were exiting the bar and drunks were re-entering it. The bathroom lines extended out to the exit. People cheered and jeered and leered at the band’s style. Some guy called them “The Doors, 2.0.” Another guy called em “hacks.” Carter was at the center of it all, eye fucking this lady from a far.

            Carter tapped the bar with two fingers for another drink. “Blue Moon of course… a draft with the orange; fuck the bottle. Bottles, never do the drink justice can’t stand the fucks drinking mixed drinks or Bud Weiser. It’s a sin goddammit, a fucking sin. Besides, most of them lounge around yelling and belching about their shitty weeks, break ups, firings and fore closures. It’s the city that never sleeps because everyone is always bitching and moaning. I sip my Blue Moon and remain steady. I always drink it when I’m out on the hunt. I always drink Delirium after I strike out. I don’t plan on drinking it tonight though. No fucking way.

            Marty was yammering on about how he struck out with this Christian bitch last night. You don’t need to look at Marty to know it’s him talking. He’s always loud drunk and dramatic. Like a fucking actress in a musical. He bellows away three seats down about how he took some Christian bitch to a performance, dinner and a dancing.

“I WAS A PERFECT FUCKING GENTLEMAN TOO. I DIDN’T TOUCH HER NONE EITHER JUST HAD MY EYES GLUED TO THEM PERKY TITTIES OF HERS AND THAT MONSOON OF AN ASS MAH GAWD! “

“MARTY SHUT THE FUCK UP! “ Everyone always responded.

Carter sat and thought about Marty, half laughing and half exasperated, sitting sipping his Blue Moon watching it all. “My, oh my, there are a ton of weirdoes here tonight,” the bartender says. Carter lit his cigarette and nodded his head in agreement, eyes still fixed on the nympho.

“Listen I get off work at three, come by and do me after.” She says.

“Nah not tonight Ange,” Carter says.

 She fixes a drink and gives him a frown.

“Say, you know anything about the porno star over there? She’s giving me a goddamn boner. Strange I wanna make love to her y’know. Tell me she’ not exotic looking hah!”

“I never seen her before,” Ange says, looking down and pouring drinks.

“Well, then I guess she must be new in town then, interesting.

“No, just cuz it’s the first time seeing her doesn’t mean she’s new, for all you know, she’s been here a few times, just not when you’re here.”

“It’s fate!”

“No, more like coincidence.

“Fucking destiny, I’m telling you!”

 “She looks bald under that wig.”

“WATCH YOUR FUCKING MOUTH, YOU CUNT!”

Ange gave him a measuring look and took care of orders down on the opposite end of the bar, fingers, fists, crisp dollar bills, bracelets to show proof of age, all thumping and rolling around the bar. Everybody is in on the action tonight. People want to have a good time drinks and hookah equals a hook up Ange wants me, Marty wants the Christian bitch and I want the hot little nympho.

Carter eyes cast a light on the beautiful nympho. Her blue lips match the blue veins on his penis both are thick. He observes her, the way she speaks how she throws her head back and laughs at a comment. Her large smile accentuates her beauty. She is genuine. Her female friend gets up to join the bathroom line. The seat next to her is empty now. It’s time.

Carter finishes his drink, belches wipes his mouth, takes a final drag of his cigarette and put it out. He stares at his prey. She looks young. Maybe she just finished up at the university. It’s the end of spring. I bet money she’s a philosophy major. Bet she’d have a lot to say after sex. Her tight skirt barely contains those muscular thighs. He begins to walk toward her when Marty claps his hand on his shoulder and yells, “TYLER STOP STARING AT THAT GIRL’S SNATCH! YOU FUCKING PERVERT!”

“ Marty get off me ya filthy bastard. It’s not my fault she likes to show off her fat cat.”

“HAHA FAT CAT! THAT’S MY FAVORITE BAR! OH CARTER! I DIDN’T KNOW IT WAS YOU!”

“Marty you’re disrupting my concentration.”

“I STRUCK OUT LAST NIGHT!
 “Yeah I heard Marty. We all heard… You’re louder than the band. I’m surprised that you haven’t been thrown out yet. People are giving you the death stare. Lay off of me before you get me thrown out with ya.”

“I’M SORRY! I  NEED TO GET MY DICK WET!!! ARE YAH GONNA BANG ANGE TONIGHT?”

“Nah you can have her…”
“YES! THANK YOU CASANOVA!”

Marty stumbled toward the end of the bar squeezing his way past the multitudes of people who despised him. Ange saw him coming the whole time. She was a masterful multitasker. Carter knew she had been watching their conversation. Her knowing eyes already full of fury at his departure and Marty’s approach. Marty nudged a man out of his way and speared his head over the side of the bar like dolphin shooting up out of the water. “HI ANGELA BABY! WHAT TIME YA GETTING OFF?”

Carter made his way toward Blue Lips. The band finished their song. People clapped. Girls and guys whistled and snapped their fingers. Carter complimented her outfit. She smiled. It was fate. She liked him. “About time you came over.” He laughed at her joke. He was destined to get lucky tonight. At the far end of the bar the sound of thunder erupted as Marty hit the floor holding his face. Ange yelled down to him, “ASSHOLE! DON’T EVER TOUCH ME AGAIN!” Uproar and applause shot through the bar when Marty was thrown out by two bouncers.

Marty lay on the side walk for a few minutes not knowing how he ended up outside. His eyes fluttered as he caught a glimpse of the bar, “Last Drags.” It was 3 am. Time for everyone to head home now, the weekend was over. Marty saw the people stumble out of the bars all loud laughing, yelling, parading, falling, fighting, arguing, kissing, grabbing, fondling, running for a cab, running for the last bus back to campus, running for a train, running, just running.

Marty finally saw Carter and blue lips amble out of the bar. They sauntered down the street holding hands. Marty yelled to his friend one last time. “CARTER WHAT’S HER NAME?” Carter and blue lips stopped. He turned his head toward her and whispered in her ear. She shook her head at him and smiled. He smiled back and kissed her lightly on those blue lips. “MONA” he yelled back and they continued on. Marty held his thumb up high and shouted, “GOOD JOB, GOOD JOB SIR!!” 

"Why Are You Still Single? By Greg Hernandez

When asked a question like that, does your face immediately contort into a mixture of anger, confusion and desperation? Are you reacting to the accusatory tone of voice which is utilized to deliver a question like that? Does it cause your face to harden?

Now, If the answer is yes, then please, STOP.  Relax your face. Sure, it is perfectly normal to react to a question like that, but once you do, try to take a deep breathe and chill. Melt that face of yours. let the anger drop off. There's no need for it.

There are a multitude of reasons for why a person is single, and that's ok. In the immortal words of Don Draper, "You're born alone and you die alone and this world drops a bunch of rules on top of you to make you forget those facts."

Take me for example, as 2014 is coming to a close, I have been in 3 relationships this year. All have been brief. By brief, I mean less than 3 months. Many of my friends find the words "single" and "Greg" to be synonymous.

The question, "Why are you still single?" has been directed toward me so many times that I am no longer annoyed by it. I am now amused. Why? Well, for starters I have many answers and those answers are all honest. My honesty allows me to be care free.

If you're reading this and are "still" single too, perhaps we share the same reasons.

-I cannot control why I am single. I just am.
-I'm too awesome to be in a relationship.
-I'm young.
-I haven't met anyone who is worthy of my time. Yes, I value my time, don't you?
-Met someone at the wrong time.
-Person of interest moved away.
-Feelings faded.
-I screwed up my chances with said person.-
-They screwed up their chances with me.
-Person cannot let go of their ex.
-I'm not right for that person or vice-versa.
-Haven't met someone I want to truly be with
-Every time I meet a hot woman, something is wrong with em.
-Am I picky? I don't know...you tell me.
-The person is timid..."timid bores me," (Ellaria Sand, Game of Thrones).
-Age does in fact matter.
-I never made a move.
-We remained friends.

There are an abundance of reasons. I have come to learn that it is ok. The "still" is yet another convoluted tool that society uses to perpetuate the notion that it is bad to be alone.

 If you're alone, then you must be lonely. You need to remain together, eventually marry, have kids and contribute to the population...Yup, I said it. I am now 24. I am at the high point of my life. I have a large network of filmmakers, writers, actors, editors, collaborators, etc. I am happy. I have goals. I am on a mission. The pursuit is keeping me going.

The cliches are true. For me, women come and go.

It is easy to meet women. There is a sea of them. I live in New York City. The opportunities are endless.

Is their a hookup culture? Yes. Do I thrive in it. Hell yes...does it affect my dating habits...of course.

Have I missed out on wonderful opportunities...maybe, but I'm not sweating the past and neither should you.

We live in the age of online dating, instantaneous communication and morbid gossip. We're picky, eager, multi-tasking, shallow individuals, with short attention spans. Swipe right or left people please!

Yet, for me, I enjoy meeting people even if things don't necessarily reflect on the relationship scoreboard of life. I meet women all the time. I love it. Talking to multiple women at once is an awesome learning experience. It also bolsters my chances of getting laid.

So, I do not enter many relationships. In college I seldom dated, I hooked up a lot, because it was...college. Once again, I'm young so I have the perspective of, I don't need a relationship for any reason really.

I don't need a relationship for sex.

We all know this. So let me finally dive in to the core of this post.

Enjoy being single. Revel in it. You're independent. Concentrate on your life. Discover what your ambitions are. Meet your goals. Focus on your dreams. Keep the relationships on the back burner. Have lots of amazing sex. Be a slut, because it's the 21st century, we're all sluts. Get with the program, the program is get busy fucking or get busy dying. People will judge you, you cannot stop them from doing that, by understanding that you will always lose that battle, you actually win it.

You have the rest of your life to be in relationships. If a relationship is really your thing, great. If it's hampering your dreams, then it is time to find a new thing.

I notice that I am the type of person who comes off as a flirt. I come off that way, because I am.
Forget the courting crap...who has time? I'm blunt. If I find you attractive, I'm going to let you know. I'm vulgar. My lexicon can get dirty in heart beat. If you think I'm attractive, let's cut the bullshit and get together.

I remember growing up watching all of these male comedians talk about how women are crazy and they have major emotional issues. You can't live with them and you can't live without em. I learned what that truly meant last year! Relationships are harder than ever. It requires a lot of investment and quite frankly, I have yet to meet someone (post-college) who I have felt strongly enough to pursue anything remotely serious with.

"Why are you still single?"

"How are the women?" It comes again and again. "Why is there no woman around your arm?"

"Greg, you're smart and good looking. Why no girlfriend?"

"Is there something, that you're doing wrong?"

"It's gotta be you." "What's wrong with you?" "Still single?"

It comes in a barrage and does not end until they see you holding hands.

"Where is she?"

I have no concrete answer, because I don't need one. I'm single.

I met this gorgeous Chilean woman named Belu, last year. She called me a Jelou...I thought it meant jealous...I looked it up, it means, "A man who does not realize how handsome he is..."

That's all I have to say on this.

"How Should One View Criticism?" By Greg Hernandez

How you handle criticism, speaks volumes of your character.

How should you view it? As a bright opportunity to get better in your respective craft.

Today, many of my close friends came over to my home. The purpose for this group visit was for the production meeting of a short film that I am currently writing.

 They spoke about how far the story has come from the 1st draft to the 4th. I looked around my living room at my peers. This wonderful group of talented individuals are from my Alma Mater. Many came from great distances to be apart of something that I have created. It was beyond inspiring.

I listened to their comments, unbiased and completely devoid of ego. I realized the truth. It is because of them that my story has come this far. Their constructive criticisms, ideas, questions and overall thoughts have helped me to create a story worth telling.

I am thankful that I have an abundance of friends who care enough to read draft after draft with the purpose of making it great. A sudden burst of realism strikes me like a harsh wind. "They care so much about this story!"

I am happy that I have learned how to be more receptive to sharp criticisms. It allows me to look at myself differently. The criticisms force me to take a long, hard look at my work and see it in the eyes of someone else.

A fresh perspective gives me the advantage to cultivate true writing. By, true writing, I mean something new. No more cliches. Thanks to the honesty and support of my friends, I am equipped with the tools to become a better writer and person.

As a human being, we never truly look forward to hearing or seeing our work critiqued, but I have now matured enough to the point that I understand that it is necessary to tackle the criticisms. It will make me better.

Now, I look forward to the criticism. I am thankful that I have such a strong network of friends, who can read my work and fire back amazing comments, notes and corrections my way.

I believe in accepting criticism. It is an important part of growing in one's craft. I respect everyone's view. I look forward to everyone's thoughts on whatever project I am involved with. Equality is important. We're all human beings. We all have brains. We all deserve to let our thoughts be known.

 I try my best to never shy away from listening to someone's thoughts on my work. I honestly believe that should be the case for all writing. Professional or amateur.

There have been so many forewords that I have read by my favorite artists who have extensively discussed how it is imperative that all their editors, publishers, friends and family members read their work and give them feedback.

As someone who deeply enjoys the process of writing a good story, I find receiving feedback and revising to be equally titillating. I just flat out love it. Without my network of friends to assist me, I would be way behind as a writer.

Keep your intelligent and trustworthy friends by your side. They are the key to making you become the better you.

I owe many thanks to my friend Ashley Smith, who is my personal editor.

Education, Tuition Cost and Life After College

In the past six months, I have spoken with many close friends who are graduating from college this fall and upcoming spring. All of them have the same concern. "What will I be doing after college?"

Their list of worries are as followed:

- Work.

- Loan Payments.

- When to move out?

- Wait, should I move out?

- If so, where to?

- How long should I wait to move out?

- How do I make my dream(s) possible?

- What are the necessary steps?
-Why don't I have this figured out yet?
-Graduate school or travel for a year?
-Wait, travelling, costs money...so does Graduate School...Hmm,,,backpacking? Solo travelling?

The list as I'm sure you're aware, goes on...

Below are some helpful tips and suggestions that can help ease your tension.
This list is not meant to solve your problems. It is meant to get your thoughts going for a good game plan.

If this list does not help, I have a little rant afterward.

1. Network - We live in the age of instantaneous information. Social Media is that epicenter of said information. My generation is in the middle of it. Ten years ago I was 13 and in the 8th grade. I did not get a cell phone from my parents until I nearly graduated that year. Now I possess a bevy of skills that afford me a multitude of possibilities. I can peruse the web on my phone. I can update my websites, profiles, photos, blogs, acting reels and respond to e-mails. I can create effective content that can maximize the marketing potential of my brand - that brand is me.

Be selfish, this is your life. You are your brand. Help optimize the brand- "you" make yourself marketable for life after college.

"Begin to monitor your Facebook and other social media accounts. Keep inappropriate or provocative photos and information off your page or change your privacy settings, so that employers cannot see them."

The above advice is something I snagged from the Internet. While I agree with most of it, keep in mind that employers want to find the most qualified candidate. The qualifications include who is the right fit, personality wise.

So, yes clean up your Facebook, but keep it interesting, be you. The right career will come.

Building your own website: Highlight all of your accomplishments, ambitions and passions. All are relevant.

Create your own business card: If you meet someone - anywhere you can secure them as a contact with your card.

Meet people: Do not just apply for jobs, do not limit yourself. Attend workshops, gatherings, parties and any other social events that will help you meet the right person/people. Remain upbeat and be outside, after all, some times it comes down to who you know.

Always dress your best: You never know when opportunity will strike. It would behoove you to try to always be prepared. Going into the city, dress well. 

2, Use all campus resources

Before you graduate, have your resume reviewed by a peer assistant at the career center

Speak with your professors and mentors. 

- Ask them to serve as your references. They can help you out in your job search by vouching for you as an excellent candidate

3. Volunteer 

This is a quick route to take if you're unsure of what to do after college,
Volunteering is a great way to stay active in a community.
Yes, it sucks to not get paid for work, but remember that volunteer work looks terrific on a resume and it is a great way to establish connections and further expand your network.

4. Develop Other Skills

Work on your deficiencies. Turn your weaknesses into strengths. Face your short comings and improve. It will make you more of an asset.

Below is a quick general list many employers are looking for in the modern world.

1. Ability to work in a team

2. Ability to make decisions and solve problems

3. Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work

4. Ability to communicate verbally with people inside and outside an organization

5. Ability to obtain and process information

6. Ability to analyze quantitative data

7. Technical knowledge related to the job

8. Proficiency with computer software programs

9. Ability to create and/or edit written reports

10. Ability to sell and influence others

5. Remember Those In Your Corner

Remember, having the support of even just one person can make a difference.
When you're feeling blue about your employment predicament, please allow whoever it is in your corner to lift your spirits.

Try not to shut them out. They are trying to help. You need them and they need you to remain upbeat.

RANT:

While riding the subway home after work, I saw this poster on the subway. 

I had a harsh reaction to it.

I thought, "Here's A Better Plan...Lower College Costs..."

Obama says that education is priceless. He's not wrong, but he's not right either. Education is priceless, but college is not. The cost of tuition continues to rise every year, which exacerbates the already heavy burden placed on middle and working class families. The word, "Class" annoys the hell out of me...forget class systems...

I am not going to get into specifics, in regards to numbers, but honestly this system is flat out against us. "Since 1985, U.S. college costs have surged by about 500 percent, and tuition fees keep rising. "

-Why should I pay to learn?

-Why should I pay to live and be fed while learning?
- Paying to live on college for the whole year when I'm there for only 10 months....12 months of rent...c'mon man!

-Is learning a privilege or a right? Answer: It's an expensive privilege...

-What the hell is out-of-state tuition? Paying more to go to another state to learn is despicable...

-Why do textbooks cost so much?

-We improve the infrastructure of our college buildings, but not your bridges...why? Oh I know why...because there's money in college.

Students are like cash cows...we pay all of this money for a fucking piece of paper that cannot guarantee us a career, but only struggle.

Graduate school is thrown at us, but that is even more money...more loans...and if you are not accepted...more heartache...

Join the military to avoid debt...I see what is going on here, America.

Everyone must go to college and spend...college is not affordable, but there are plans to make sure that you are able to pay in full...that is not affordable.

Education is priceless...college is not. College is not necessary. Yes. I said it. 

Get your high school diploma and leave the country. Apply to schools in Finland or Germany where the tuition is free. Start your living in northern Europe. 

I snagged the below statement from an article I read on countries that offer free college tuition.

"Dorothee Stapelfeldt, a senator in the northern city of Hamburg, said tuition fees "discourage young people who do not have a traditional academic family background from taking up study.  It is a core task of politics to ensure that young women and men can study with a high quality standard free of charge in Germany."

It has been extremely difficult for me to land a full-time job that I want to actually wake up in the morning for. I had a job offer after college, but turned it down, because I realized it would not make me happy.

Instead, I have had numerous interviews, several freelance jobs and gigs.
I want to move out soon, but still need to save money and land a better job.

Notice, I have only said the word, "job," so far. I know what my career will be.

I want to be a story teller. I will write for movies, television and theatre.  

I will act. I will produce, I will direct. I will advertise my brand: me.

I know I will do all of this, because I already am doing all of this.

My side projects are, Blogging, Creative Writing, Acting, Film, Theatre and Photography.

Soon, I will be able to live off of my side projects. I am keeping my dream alive through them.

So, my last bit of advice is this, you've paid so much for your education: which entails what you have learned in the classroom and everything you have experienced outside of it.

USE IT! ALL OF IT! USE IT ALL TO YOUR ADVANTAGE!!

BELIEVE YOU WILL BE GREAT!!

I met a lot of awesome people in college.

My network is quite large. I am happy that my side projects have helped to keep me sane.

Yup, I'm the only black guy in every photo.

Hello World

I know the title isn't exactly interesting but it shows how I feel about my writing. It's not the best but that's why I'm doing this. And thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts, it's much appreciated. I haven't let anyone else read any of my writing for years, out of fear of it being deemed "bad" or "stupid". Two basic but powerful words. What's life if not about sharing with others? I know, a little deep for my first post but what the hell.

Heres a some info about me:
My names Eston.
Ahh forget that you'll learn more along the way.

There are a few things I want to accomplish with this. I won't bore you with all of them just the special one's.

1. Growth- Who doesn't want this? But seriously, the gloves are off. Disagree with me. Tell me how you feel. Help me. Criticize my writing. Anything to push me or rather us forward.
2. Honesty- this isn't an essay for school which is pretty much the only thing I've written for for a few years now. So I'm going to leave the bullshit at the door. Besides I can't regret anything if I'm giving it 100% right?
3. Fun- Because it's important to stay positive(I can be a bit annoying with that at times). "Why so serious?" Life's too short to forget to smile yet somehow that manages to happen.

You see? Just 3, short and simple.
Thanks again for reading and I sincerely hope you enjoy.
OH and thanks Greg, my dear friend, for giving me this opportunity!

-Eston Jr.